New equipment to support lifesaving heart surgery for babies, children and young people from across Yorkshire

There is an urgent need for new equipment to support lifesaving heart surgery for babies, children and young people from across Yorkshire; equipment that will benefit the smallest and most vulnerable patients with congenital heart conditions at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Leeds is home to the state-of-the-art Hybrid Lab, a centre of excellence for minimally invasive heart surgery for children. These innovative techniques are kinder to our most vulnerable patients, giving them the best possible chance to withstand their procedures and recover quickly so they can look forward to healthy futures full of potential and promise. 

The procedures are delicate and highly skilled operations, and so it is vital that surgeons have access to detailed 3D images of the heart and surrounding area. These images are captured with an ultrasound probe inserted through the oesophagus.

Currently, 3D imaging is not available for babies and children who weigh less than 27kg due to a lack equipment that would enable this. These smallest patients are often the most vulnerable, but only 2D imaging can support their procedures. Many surgeries to correct congenital heart defects must be performed within the first few weeks or months of an infant’s life, and so there isn’t the time to wait for patients to grow.

Consequently, our team of paediatric cardiologists have identified an urgent need for a new ultrasound system equipped with the latest applications, including a mini 3D probe, that will mean the highest quality images can be captured for all patients regardless of their size. The improved functionality of this cutting-edge technology will benefit will capture more detailed imaging for all patients compared to the existing system. Better image quality will allow for faster, safer procedures and reduced hospital stays.

With your support, many procedures that are traditionally managed in surgical theatres will be treated in the Hybrid Lab with minimally invasive techniques. The Phillips Epiq CVx system will transform paediatric cardiac care.

It will cost £150,000 to provide this system for Leeds Children’s Hospital to benefit thousands of the most vulnerable babies and children from across our region in the coming years.